The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently tried to pull Zantac off of the market because of the results of ongoing research. The FDA says Zantac can contain relatively high levels of NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine), a possible carcinogen. Many retailers voluntarily pulled Zantac from their shelves, although it is still possible to get in some places including by prescription.
While many people are concerned about the possible effects of Zantac, there is some confusion as to where the FDA stands on the situation. The FDA’s position is based on research studies and it issued a voluntary recall on Zantac. Here is a look at what the FDA says about Zantac.
FDA Stance on Zantac
The FDA bases its stance on Zantac around recent studies. It found that the slow decay of Zantac naturally creates N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a possible carcinogen (a chemical that causes cancer). The levels of NDMA in Zantac exceeded the recommended exposure limit that the FDA previously set. When this was discovered, the FDA issued a voluntary recall of all Zantac and similar products that have the active ingredient Ranitidine. This includes all of the generics that many retailers carried at the same time.
Ranitidine is the active ingredient in Zantac, and is also the source of the problem. As chemicals age, they can break down into their basic components or into other chemicals. In this case, Ranitidine slowly breaks down into NDMA and other chemicals. The FDA says Zantac was not intentionally contaminated or that the makers of Zanatac ignored study findings. It simply asked for all Zantac products to be removed from stores. It is still possible to purchase Zantac in some places, and you can still get a prescription for it if Zantac is something that you need to take because of specific medical conditions.
Many retailers agreed with the FDA’s advice and removed Zantac from their stores. Even large organizations like the U.S. military are trying to find a suitable replacement. If you have Zantac and want to switch to another medication, contact your doctor. Also, ask your doctor how to properly dispose of Zantac if you are done with it.
Common Injuries From Zantac
Like most medications, Zantac comes with a long list of potential side effects. If taken properly, the chances of developing any of these side effects are minimal. However, there is always a chance that they can happen. These side effects include:
- Organ damage: Zantac can cause organ damage over time and lead to organ failure if not properly treated.
- Swollen liver: Zantac is known to cause livers to swell in size, making them uncomfortable, restricting blood flow, and possibly causing blockages.
- Headache: Headaches are a common side effect of taking Zantac.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is the inability to maintain your balance under normal circumstances. Dizziness from Zantac tends to be temporary.
- Drowsiness: Drowsiness is the tendency to fall asleep, even while being active.
- Cancer: Cancer is a possible side effect of taking Zantac thanks to its NDMA contamination.
There are other injuries that can be caused by Zantac that are not covered on this list. If you experience side effects or injuries from taking Zantac, see your doctor as soon as possible. It may be possible to transition you to a new medication and minimize the damage.
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Common Expenses
Experiencing problems when taking Zantac can lead to considerable expenses. Unfortunately, there are common expenses that most people have to deal with and they can be expensive. Some of the common expenses from a Zantac-related injury include:
- Medical interventions: Most, if not, all of Zantac injuries require an immediate medical intervention to treat the injury. This can be expensive as doctor fees and emergency room visits can be costly.
- Long-term recovery care: Many injuries require care over a long period of time. The compounding cost of these treatment methods can be expensive.
- New medications: Switching to a new medication can be costly as it requires doctor visits and can require lab tests.
- Legal expenses: Any legal expenses resulting from an accident while taking the medication can be costly.
- Lost wages: Some injuries will require long periods of rest and recovery, which could cause you to miss work.
There are other common expenses that are not covered on this list. Injuries from taking medication are a serious problem, which is why many doctors spend large amounts of time trying to qualify patients for specific medications. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to predict the impact of specific medications on patients.
What Does the FDA Say About Zantac? Lawyer Near Me (800) 635-1144
Call Us to Discuss the Details of Your Potential Case
If you or a loved one is injured from taking Zantac or other medications, consult a lawyer to see what your legal options are. You may be able to seek compensation from the makers of Zantac for your expenses. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 635-1144 to speak to our legal team about your case. The consultation is free and we can help you determine which legal action to take to recover compensation.
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